"The 71 days alone on the Antarctic with over 900 statute miles covered and a gradual grinding down of my physical endurance finally took its toll today, and it is with sadness that I report it is journey's end -- so close to my goal," he wrote.

Worsley was found extremely dehydrated and exhausted. He was later found to be suffering from peritonitis, an infection of the lining of the abdominal wall, CNN reports.

Bear Grylls tweeted: "We are devastated by this loss. One of the strongest men & bravest soldiers I know. Praying for his special family."

And David Beckham called himself "lucky to have met Henry" in an Instagram post.

Worsley's wife Joanna also released a statement, which read, in part: "Henry achieved his Shackleton Solo goals: of raising over £100,000 for the Endeavour Fund, to help his wounded colleagues, and so nearly completing the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic landmass.